Video+conferencing

=Live webcam directoryNew ZealandVideo Conferencing:= Desktop video conferencing is useful for students to get in contact with experts or students in other schools. Below is a list of free video conferencing platforms that may be useful for the classroom teacher.

Skype Skype is the most successful and widely used video conferencing platforms. Hint turn off the video and your audio will be clearer and not delayed. It is possible also to easily make conference calls with 3+ users.

Skype an author network: This wiki aims to provide teachers with a way to connect authors, books and readers through virtual visits. You will need a computer, webcam, microphone, Skype software and account.

DimDim Dim Dim despite the geeky sounding name is a free video conferencing platform that may be useful for teachers. It is different to skype in that it runs within your browser so you dont need to download or install any software. You need to have the latest version of Adobe flash loaded onto your computer. Should work okay through firewalls in school networks. To be effective you need a fast broadband connection.

Google Talk: Google talk now allows a webcam to be used. You can easily tell when your contacts are online and being a Google product is is realatively problem free. You can chat or talk directly from Gmail or you can download the application and run from your computer. Google Talk also gives you the option of text chatting and exchanging files.

Mikogo An easy to use crossplatform desktop tool, ideal for web conferencing, online meetings or remote support. Free.

=Webcams= A webcam is a camera that transmits images across the internet in real time. From the classroom students can visit many places around the world that have webcam installed. This may supplement a study of a place or historical event. Live webcams can also show differences around the world in time, weather and landscape. The possibilities are endless. Check these out: Africam Rome New Zealand Live Webcam directory